In a headline that’s lighting up social media, a shocking new poll reveals that 53.5% of Americans now view Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla, SpaceX, and X, unfavorably. The CNN/SSRS survey, conducted April 10-14, 2025, has sent ripples through the tech and political spheres, painting Musk as one of the most polarizing figures of our time. But in true Elon fashion, the self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist” isn’t taking this lying down. Musk has fired back on X, alleging that this wave of disapproval is a coordinated plot by his enemies to “bring him down.” The internet is buzzing, and “Classic Musk!” is trending as fans and foes clash over the embattled mogul’s latest drama.
The CNN/SSRS poll surveyed 1,258 U.S. adults and found that 53% hold an unfavorable view of Musk, with 38% feeling very unfavorably. Only 33% view him positively, while 14% remain neutral or unfamiliar—a surprising number given Musk’s omnipresence in global headlines. The data shows a stark partisan divide: 82% of Democrats dislike Musk, compared to just 24% of Republicans, with independents leaning negative at 55%. This 53% of women view him unfavorably, compared to 48% of men, and younger Americans (18-34) are slightly more critical than older generations.
What’s driving this backlash? Musk’s recent political and social moves have stirred controversy. His vocal support for President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, including a reported $200 million donation, alienated many left-leaning fans. His role as co-head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), pushing for drastic federal budget cuts, has sparked protests, particularly over proposed Social Security reforms. On X, Musk’s posts amplifying right-wing narratives—such as claims about voter fraud or immigration—have drawn accusations of xenophobia and antisemitism, notably after he endorsed a post in 2024 suggesting Jewish communities promote “anti-White hatred.” The White House and Anti-Defamation League condemned these remarks, fueling public outrage.
Musk, never one to shy away from a fight, has framed the poll results as a smear campaign. In a series of X posts on April 15, 2025, he claimed, “The 53.5% dislike stat is fake news pushed by woke bots and short-sellers betting against Tesla. They want me silenced because I’m exposing their lies!” He doubled down, suggesting media outlets and “globalist elites” are orchestrating a takedown to undermine his influence. “They’re scared of truth and progress,” he wrote, adding a meme of himself as Neo from The Matrix dodging bullets labeled “hate.”
This isn’t Musk’s first conspiracy rodeo. In 2022, he hyped the Twitter Files as proof of government censorship, only for his own legal team to later admit there was no evidence. Last year, he claimed Tesla vandalism spikes were funded by “Big Oil.” Critics argue this pattern—Musk blaming external forces—deflects accountability. “He can’t handle criticism, so he invents a boogeyman,” a prominent X commentator posted. Yet, Musk’s supporters rally behind him, with one user declaring, “Elon’s a genius fighting the deep state. They hate him because he’s free!”
Musk’s fall from grace stems from a mix of hubris and missteps. Once celebrated for revolutionizing electric cars and space travel, he’s now seen by many as a political lightning rod. His DOGE role, aiming to slash $2 trillion in federal spending, has drawn ire from unions and retirees fearing benefit cuts. Tesla’s stock, down 45% in 2025 due to a global boycott and quality concerns, hasn’t helped his image. High-profile incidents—like Musk’s awkward hand gesture at a Trump rally, which critics compared to a Nazi salute (he denied it)—have cemented his reputation as a provocateur.
But Musk retains a loyal base. The Mises Institute argues he’s targeted for disrupting Washington’s power structure. His fans on X praise his push for deregulation and free speech, with one writing, “Elon’s the only one bold enough to fight the system!” His recent SpaceX successes, like the Starship lunar contract, and Tesla’s plan to triple U.S. production under Trump’s tariffs, keep his visionary aura alive for some.
With Musk’s influence tied to Trump’s administration, his public image will likely remain contentious. The poll shows 59% of Americans think he’s unfit for government roles, and 64% say his judgment is “too erratic.” Yet, Musk thrives on chaos, and his next X post could shift the narrative—or dig a deeper hole. As one X user summed it up: “Love him or hate him, Elon’s the main character of 2025.”
This saga is far from over. Will Musk win back hearts, or is his star fading? One thing’s certain: the world’s richest man won’t go quietly. Stay tuned for the next tweet that shakes the globe.
